The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday, Dec. 14, edition that representatives from nearly 200 countries agreed at the COP28 climate summit on Wednesday to begin reducing global consumption of fossil fuels. A Reuters dispatch to The Globe reports that the deal struck in Dubai was meant to send a powerful message to investors and policy makers that the world is united in its desire to break with fossil fuels, a move that could stave off climate catastrophe. COP28 president Sultan al-Jaber called the deal "historic," but added its true success would be in its implementation. He said, "We must take the steps necessary to turn this agreement into tangible actions." Several countries cheered the deal for accomplishing something that until now eluded decades of climate talks. Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide said, "It is the first time that the world unites around such a clear text on the need to transition away from fossil fuels." More than 100 countries had lobbied hard for strong language in the COP28 agreement to "phase out" oil, gas and coal use, but came up against powerful opposition from OPEC, which said the world can cut emissions without shunning specific fuels.